Floy Quintos' 'Isang Panaginip na Fili' at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater

MANILA, Philippines - Floy Quintos made sure that he chose the right people to play the lead roles in Dulaang UP’s musical, “Isang Panaginip na Fili.” The play was first staged in 2009 and was then well-received by its audiences. Quintos, however, shares that what sets this year’s production apart from the previous one is the inclusion of a truly powerful vocal cast. “More than actors who can sing, I have singers who can act,” says the director.

Supported by the Dulaang UP Ensemble, the original music is provided by Ceejay Manuel Javier, whose music Quintos describes as “beautifully edgy and broken.”

Franco Laurel, a recognized singer in his own right, reprises the role of Pepe Rizal — a role which won him an Aliw Award last year. Even if he already has two recorded albums under his belt, Franco shares that he has been taking voice lessons and has even worked out for what he knew was a “physically demanding role” that required thorough preparation.

Alternating Franco is Red Concepcion who was last seen as Alan Strang in Repertory Philippines’ Equus. Red believes that the musical’s brilliant and unpredictable score deserved nothing less than precise singing that needed constant practice. Red mentions reading the score and continuously listening to the minus one as part of his preparations for the production.

The role of Tunying Ibañez is described by OJ Mariano as a vocally challenging role, for it actually means playing the role of two characters: Tunying, Pepe’s roommate in Paris, and Simoun, the darker and more aggressive persona of Crisostomo Ibarra. OJ admits that he ventures to bring about the darker and more sinister side of Simoun through his voice. Alternating him is Reuben Uy, who discloses that since certain distinctions had to be made between the two characters, vocalization and the study of the libretto and musical score are particularly essential.

“Isang Panaginip na Fili” runs on Nov. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City, from Wednesdays to Fridays, at 7p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.

For tickets, call or SMS Cherry at 0917-7500107 or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.